Louis Rees-Zammit made headlines when he transitioned from Rugby Union to the NFL, but his journey took a turn as he decided to return to his roots. After a challenging stint in American football, Rees-Zammit realized he was not fulfilling his potential in the NFL and chose to reignite his career in Rugby Union.

A Bold Move to the NFL

Rees-Zammit's decision to join the NFL was met with both excitement and skepticism. Despite signing with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, he did not play a single competitive NFL game. "I just felt like I was kind of wasting my talent out there," Rees-Zammit admitted. The transition was tough, especially without the background of the college football system, which limited his opportunities.

Lessons from the NFL

Although his NFL journey did not go as planned, Rees-Zammit views it as a valuable experience. Being in the same locker room as Super Bowl stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce taught him a lot. "Just to be involved in a locker room that was completely different to rugby, next to global figures like Mahomes and Kelce, I learned from everything they did day to day," he said.

Return to Rugby Union

Rees-Zammit's return to Rugby Union was marked by a season-long deal with the Bristol Bears. His decision was driven by a desire to express his game again and to regain the form that made him a star. Despite the physical demands of rugby, Rees-Zammit is confident in his abilities. "The skill isn't really the issue, it's just about being match fit," he noted.

Future Ambitions

Rees-Zammit is focused on making an impact with Bristol Bears and has his sights set on a return to the Welsh national team. His speed and skill remain intact, and he is determined to prove that he is still one of the best in the world. "Globally we want rugby to be as big as possible, and if we can play it on a global stage that's going to be huge," he added.

The Road Ahead

As Rees-Zammit prepares for the upcoming season, the rugby world watches with anticipation. His journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of one's true passion. With no regrets and a clear vision for the future, Rees-Zammit is ready to reclaim his place in Rugby Union.